Bound to the Highlander(55)

“Aye, my lord, there is something I require. Answers to some questions would be a fine start. First, why did we sit through a meal last evening while you entertained known murderers? Second, why did we stay at that inn with those same murderers in close quarters? Third, why I was roused from my bed at an ungodly hour to be bounced along in a carriage travelling faster than ’tis meant? It won’t be much of a gift if you insist on pounding it to the ground.”

Aileana’s pitch continued to elevate with each new point she made and it made him grin. By the time she was finished, he was chuckling. He couldn’t help himself. She was a little wildcat and it stirred him beyond measure. By God, he’d given up trying to be cross with her. The more time he spent with her the more he wanted her beneath him. To hell with what would never be, he had no reason not to quench his thirst before he was rid of her. She wasn’t an innocent so why deny himself? Just to see how she’d react, he leaned back to reveal Allain MacKay riding next to him.

Allain was a clever man with a good heart. He didn’t take offence to her insult. “It appears now is a good time to share our situation with your young lass.”

James nodded and ordered the carriage to halt. He dismounted and stepped inside, but rather than speaking to Aileana, he turned to Gwen instead.

“Do you ride lass?”

Gwen grinned and nodded.

“I happen to own one of the best horses in all of Inverness-shire. Would you like to try him and stretch your legs awhile?”

“I thank you, my lord, for your kindness”. She was eager and could be considered a pleasant sort upon further review—for a witch. He’d keep his guard around her, but a conversation was in order regarding the golden haired viper he was about to set straight.

James stepped back to let Gwen out. She mounted Arion in a swift and graceful motion and Calum looked pleased. James re-entered the carriage to find Aileana’s eyes ablaze and fists clenched in her lap. Oh she was ready for war. This was going to be fun.

“Those are good questions,” he said. “But before I answer any of them, I have one for you.” He sat so close to her that their thighs brushed and he flung his arm around the back of the seat behind her. She did not cower and he admired that, but her eyes told him she’d like to stick something sharp into his flesh. There was that thrill again.

“Despite our differences, do you trust me?”

He liked how her chin came up and her lips pursed.

“I assume you’re referring to my safety, my lord. As it is, I’m not accustomed to others deciding all aspects of my life for me without my counsel. Obviously you know what’s going on here and have not seen fit to inform me.”

Her arrogance was the like he’d never seen. God it set him on fire. How much farther could he push her?

“Not accustomed? I take it your uncle disclosed the particulars of our betrothal to you then? If that were the case, dear lady you would’ve had a part in it. However, I was under the impression you only learned of our contract when I presented your uncle’s letter.”

She blinked several times. He’d found her breaking point, yet when she spoke there was no tremor in her voice.

“I’m sure my uncle had good reasons for holding back details of the arrangement he made with you, sir. And I am certain one of those reasons was that he died before he got the chance!” Her voice took on a husky tone. She swallowed hard and burst into tears and he couldn’t have been more shocked. Breaking point indeed. He wrapped his arms around her and held her close.

“Shhhhhh. I’m sorry if I’ve upset you. ‘Twas not my intention to bring you pain.” What the hell was his intention? As if prompted, Calum’s laughter boomed from outside. Bugger off. Not that anyone could know what was happening between them at the moment, but the silent curse toward his brother helped. Anything would do to interrupt the gnawing in his gut.

Aileana sobbed into his shirt and held onto him like her life depended on it. He knew women who could spring tears on command, yet the weeping lass he held seemed genuine. Everything else aside, he had no reason disbelieve she truly cared for her uncle. His comment was a low blow. But what if he was wrong about the rest of it? Not possible. He had too much evidence to prove otherwise. Still, he never intended to make her cry.

Once her tears subsided, he lifted her chin and brushed off each tear stained cheek. Christ. Now he wanted to comfort her. He was in serious trouble here.

“I meant what I said. I won’t intentionally cause you pain. Your words bring out the beast in me as your mouth and body bring out the man in me.”